The food and nutrient intake among Paleolithic Homo sapiens, hunter-gatherers and among Asian and Homoeconomicus Western populations shows marked variations. Economic development and affluence may be associated witha decrease in the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids and significant increase inthe intakes of carbohydrates, (mainly refined), fat (saturated, trans fat and linoleic acid) and salt compared to the Paleolithicperiod. The protein or amino acid intake was 2.5 fold greater (33 vs. 13%) in the Paleolithic diet Homo sapienscompared to modern Western diet consumed by Homo economicus populations. Approximately 10,000 years ago, prior tothe Agricultural Revolution, our diet was based on an enormous variety of wild plants. However, today about 17% ofplant species provide 90% of the world’s food supply which is mainly contributed by grains produced by fertilizer basedon rapidly grown crops which may result in a decrease in nutrient density and increase in energy. Wheat, corn and rice accountfor three fourths of the world’s grain production on which humans are dependent for their food supply. Grains arehigh in omega-6 fatty acids and carbohydrates and low in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants compared to leafy greenvegetables. It has been estimated that diet of Homo sapiens was characterized by higher intakes by essential and nonessentialamino acids, calcium, potassium, magnesium, flavonoids and w-3 fatty acids whereas modern Western diet ofHomo economicus has excess of energy-rich refined carbohydrates, w-6, trans fat and saturated fat and low in protectivenutrients. The consumption of such diets in wealthy countries in conjunction with sedentary behavior is associated withincreased prevalence of morbidity and mortality due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
展开▼
